Gen Z Couch Potatoes Explained?

WSJ recently wrote about “Labor Market Mystery: Where Are the Older Gen Z Workers?” But, ain’t it obvious? Haven’t they watched today’s mooch movies and are still living off mom & pop & Uncle Sam?

We’re told “Economists search for theories on why fewer peoples ages 20 to 24 are working or seeking a job” versus before the pandemic. That’s apparently a fact, even though “the exodus from the labor force in the pandemic’s early months has mostly reversed.” In short, “about a half million workers in their early 20s” have essentially become akin to couch potatoes.

Well, participation of folks over 55 is also down largely due to the early retirement option. But, even higher wages & tons of job openings don’t seem capable of getting the kids off that couch. Are they going to college for advanced degrees? Some, but not all since university enrollments are actually DOWN. Ongoing fears of catching COVID if they go back to work is keeping at least some on the sidelines? If so … WOW. Or, are the couch potatoes simply waiting for that executive level job offer like Griswold’s near-do-well, perpetually jobless brother-in-law in “Christmas Vacation”? Save yourself the numbers crunching and look at mom and dad?

Davd Soul